‘Centre’s move unnecessary, we lived as one nation’

The declaration has given rise to a curfew-like situation back in their hometown and since communication has been jammed in the northernmost state, the people here have no means of checking on their family members in Jammu and Kashmir. DT Next spoke with a few of them and here’s what they had to say about the development.

I was about to go home to be with my family on Eid. But I had to cancel the plan as my family did not want me to come because of the unstable scenario in my hometown. I could not even speak to my family since yesterday and I won’t know if anything happens to my family member.”

We had our own flag and special rights since the time of Maharajas and there was no need to deliberately bring such an action to deliberately spoil the atmosphere in the state. It was all well-planned as the police asked the tourists to vacate the hotels, internet and communication lines have been brought down and even the media is not functional there.

The special status was given as a privilege, it was supposed to be used for our upliftment, and if this is being abolished for the sake of equality then Centre should stop treating us like a step-son. This disturbance has affected our lives. My nephew had requested the family to send money as he stays outside Kashmir,  but we could not do it as ATMs are shut and people are suffering. We do not know if our families in Kashmir have enough food to eat. It will only lead to anti-social activities as people are not happy with this move